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Corporate Rebranding
The Board agreed to change Infogrames Entertainment’s name to Atari. This decision will enable us to make the best use of the Atari brand, capitalizing on worldwide strong name recognition and affinity, which are keys drivers to implement the Company’s online, product and licensing strategies. Atari stock will still be listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and ISIN code will remain the same (FR0010478248), the ticker will become ATA.

It doesn’t look like the ticker symbols have changed yet. When they do I will update the Investor Links page with the new info.

In Infogrames fiscal year earnings report the company announced that Phil Harrison will move from his role of Atari President to become the non-executive Director of the Group, due to the shift of business operations to the U.S.

Jeff Lapin, current Infogrames Board member, has been named the new COO of Atari.

Particle statement from Infogrames fiscal year earnings report after the break.

While many in the industry have begun another death watch for Atari, it’s worth noting that while cash is tight, the company is still paying its development partners on time. And, if the “Ghostbusters” game proves to be a success, the cash infusion could buy the company more time to realign itself.

To keep the cash flowing until then, the company in March sold its majority share of a sales, marketing and retail distribution business to Namco Bandai.

Atari, when queried about the speculation about their sustainability, declined to comment.

The article goes on to give a few quotes from Michael Pachter who sees a brighter future for the company, read the full article here.

I have a soft spot for Atari in my heart, mostly due to nostalgia from my childhood. Hopefully, Ghostbusters will help get them back on their feet.

MCV is reporting that Atari’s European operation will be acquired by Namco Bandai. All of the Europe sales and marketing staff will be transferred to the newly-formed business Distribution Partners which will be headed up by industry vet John Galloway.

“We believe that DP will become a wholly-owned Namco Bandai games company soon, but this process requires time and we will comment further when we have an anticipated closing date,” – David Miller, Atari UK marketing boss

Under the deal Distribution Partners will exclusively handle Atari’s boxed products outside of the US until 2014. Atari’s US division will remain active and under the control of Infogrames from their office in Lyon, France.

MCV is reporting that Infogrames (owners of Atari) have sold their remaining stake in Distribution Partners to Namco Bandai. Distribution Partners was formed last year when the two companies entered into a deal where Namco Bandai bought 34% of Infogrames’ European and Asian distribution operations. The sale of Infogrames’ remaining stake in the company takes them one step closer to their goal of becoming an online-only publisher.

“This announcement is the culmination of our strategic relationship with Namco Bandai Games Europe who have proven to be an outstanding partner in creating the Distribution Partners business,”

“This will now allow Atari to focus its financial resources and creative energy exclusively on developing and publishing online-enabled games, shifting our operations towards servicing recurring revenues and a higher-margin online business model while still benefiting from access to Distribution Partners strong international distribution network.” – David Gardner, Infogrames CEO

Alyssa Milano Takes on the Role of Dr. Ilyssa Selwyn, Archeologist and Love Interest, in ‘Ghostbusters: The Video Game’ Coming June 2009

LYON, FRANCE – 20 March 2009 – Atari today unveiled Alyssa Milano as the new love interest in the forthcoming blockbuster title Ghostbusters: The Video Game. Alyssa Milano is best known for her roles in long running successful television series “Who’s the Boss”, “Melrose Place”, “Charmed” and most recently “My Name Is Earl” to name a few. Milano joins members of the original cast from the beloved Ghostbusters movies to recreate the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.

- One Step Closer To Becoming The Galaxy’s Most Notorious Criminal with Development Complete on Anticipated New Game –

– ‘Assault On Dark Athena’ Brings Riddick into Multiplayer Realm for First Time with Six Intense Online Combat Modes –

– Xbox LIVE and PLAYSTATION®3 Demos Available Now –

NEW YORK, NY – March 20, 2009 – Atari, one of the world’s most recognized video game publishers, today announced that development is complete on the latest gripping installment from the Riddick franchise, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena.